Consumption management beverage apparatus and storage vessel

ABSTRACT

A smart beverage apparatus for monitoring consumption is disclosed, comprising a vessel receiving port for receiving a supplement vessel, said supplement vessel stores one or more supplements, and a scanning unit for scanning a vessel data storage unit to obtain supplement data related to supplements contained in the supplement vessel. The beverage apparatus comprises a display unit to display data to a user. A method for monitoring consumption of a user using a smart beverage apparatus is also disclosed, the method comprising: receiving an indication that a supplement vessel has been inserted into the smart beverage apparatus scanning a vessel data storage unit to obtain supplement data related to supplements stored within the supplement vessel, analyzing the obtained supplement data, generating instructions for the user based on the analysis, and displaying the generated instructions to the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase Application of PCT InternationalApplication No. PCT/IL2015/050963, International Filing Date Sep. 21,2015, claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/053,158, filed Sep. 21, 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter relates generally to a smart beverage apparatus thatmonitors a user's consumption, and a storage vessel for preparingsupplement beverages for consumption such as dietary supplements, sportsupplements, functional food, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Increase in life expectancy and subsequent increase in nutritionaldeficiencies have created an increased interest in nutritionalsupplements. Growing awareness for better nutrition and a need for ahealthy lifestyle results in a demand for accurate consumption of foodsupplements such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids,probiotics, and the like. Furthermore, consuming the correct quantity ofthe supplements may have health implications as well. Consuming aninsufficient quantity of the supplements may not provide the expectedbenefit, while taking an excessive quantity may have detrimental effectson the consumer taking the supplements. In some cases, the consumer doesnot know which supplements will be beneficial and thus may takesupplements that provide no benefit or may even cause harm to theconsumer.

Consumers are increasingly demanding healthy and convenient lifestylesolutions, thus making dietary and sports supplements a preferredoptions to meets this need. Largest markets for dietary supplementsinclude Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. For example, about 50%of Americans use dietary supplements on a regular basis to improve theirhealth. About 22% of Americans engage in physical activities of 60minutes a day, and repeatedly consume sports drinks and supplements. Theaverage yearly amount spent on herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids,and other pills (purchased without a physician's prescription) is 35billion dollars. Nevertheless, recent research shows that customizationand personalization is the need of the hour for nutraceuticals,specifically in developed markets such as US and Europe. Moreoverconsumers are seeking more variety and benefits from delivery methodsbeyond those possible through traditional tablet and pills technologies.

In addition, there are significant disparities when it comes toconsumption and user experience in the dietary and sport supplementsindustry. Consumption management is one challenging arena. Disparitiesin user experience may, in some cases, be related to lack of knowledgeof how the human body functions, and what are its ongoing nutritionaldiverse needs to support optimized health and body performance.Mastering such complex knowledge and understanding may require years ofstudy. When a consumer decides to base his/her consumption on scientificdata, the user will typically encounter an excess amount of data whichmay be incoherent or difficult to understand, and many differentapproaches to what an optimal consumption includes.

In another arena, dietary and sport supplements may be consumed invarious forms, for example, capsules, pills, powders, gel caps andtablets among others. There are inherent difficulties associated withthese consumption methods. For example, storage and handling of dietarysupplements is challenging. Dietary and sport supplements are usuallypackaged in boxes of 60-120 servings, or provided in very large andinconvenient whey protein cans. Some supplements contain multi-vitaminsand multiple ingredients, but most supplements contain a singleingredient. These large packages may cause a user to store stacks ofsupplements boxes, which may eventually end up not being used, orexpired. In another example, users improvise methods to pack along asingle serving of supplements such as whey protein powder to location oftheir physical workout, e.g. using small plastic bags. This phenomenonalso leads to inaccurate consumption of supplements. Furthermore, whenpowder chunks are not perfectly dissolved in water, an unpleasantdrinking experience may be caused.

Some consumers have wallowing difficulties—research shows that 40% ofthe Americans have difficulty to swallow pills. In addition, pills ortablets that compose many ingredients tend to be too big to be swallowedsmoothly.

Another challenge is related to after taste. Multiple times afterconsuming dietary supplements, one may suffer from an after-taste offlavors, for example if the outer coating of a pill or tablet hasdissolved before reaching the small bowel.

Different approaches exist for consumption of dietary and nutritionalsupplements, and a consumer may find it difficult to determine theoptimal consumption plan. Some users may be unaware of bodily functionsongoing nutritional needs that are required to support an optimizedhealthy body performance. Supplements are prepared for consumption in aplurality of preparation methods. One of the methods includes mixingsupplements with a liquid or beverage and drinking the supplements thatdissolve into the beverage. The supplements may be provided in a powderform, a liquid form, a powder and liquid combination form or otherforms. Most supplements that are mixed with beverages to enableconsumption are provided in large quantities with a scoop. The consumeradds the supplements into the beverage, mixes and drinks the mixture.Use of the scoop by the consumer to add the supplements into thebeverages may cause inexperienced consumers to mix too much supplementsor too little supplements with the beverages, thus causing thesupplement consumption experience to be lacking. It is difficult tomaintain an accurate log of the amount of supplements consumed, leadingto incorrect amounts of supplements at inappropriate times that may beconsumed.

Dissolving of supplements in the beverage requires excessive mixing andshaking to ensure optimal dissolving of the supplements in the beverage.Some supplements, especially when added at an incorrect amount to abeverage, require constant shaking and mixing during the consumption ofthe beverage. Such a need to continuously shake and mix may result inspillage and loss of supplements and beverage when the container is notproperly covered or closed, or when the container does not comprise acover.

Some supplements are consumed by swallowing the whole supplement, forexample pills or capsules. The swallowing of the supplements may provedifficult, for example for small children and/or elderly individuals.Some solutions exist, such as chewable supplements, e.g. chewablevitamin candies. However, consuming these still requires certain motorskills that could impede consumption of the supplement due to age orphysical disabilities. Consumption of supplements by swallowing mayrequire the consumer to take excessive or insufficient amounts of thesupplement, which may cause the consumer unwanted side effects of theconsumption. Monitoring the amount of supplements a consumer is requiredto consume for optimal nutrition may be difficult or inaccurate whenconsuming by swallowing the supplements.

Consumption of high nutritional value formulations of dietary and/orsport supplement in the form of beverage, provides an advantageouscombination of taste, convenience and health. It would be advantageousto provide a method and system that allow simple monitoring of a user'ssupplement consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter discloses a smart beverage apparatus for monitoringconsumption, comprising a vessel receiving port for receiving asupplement vessel, said supplement vessel stores one or more supplementssuch as dietary supplements, sports supplements, etc.

The smart beverage apparatus comprises a scanning unit for scanning avessel data storage unit of a supplement vessel, to obtain supplementdata related to supplements contained in the supplement vessel. Forexample, the data obtained by the scanning unit may include variousparameters, such as ingredients of the supplement contained in thevessel, the expiry date of the contents of the supplement vessel,instructions or notifications related to one or more preferredconsumption manners of a beverage prepared using the supplement vessel,encrypted data for verification of the supplements vessel'sauthenticity, preferred consumption data and consumption plan may beincorporated in a vessel data storage unit of the supplement vessel.When inserted to the beverage apparatus, which may be synchronized withdata stored in a remote device, the beverage apparatus may provide auser with consumption instructions and indications. For example, userprofile data may be cross-referenced or compared with data stored in thevessel data storage unit, and a consumption plan that is stored andrelated to the specific vessel may be provided.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus comprises a displayunit to display data related to consumption to a user. For example, thedisplay unit may display notifications and reminders related to a user'sconsumption plan, the recommendations may include recommended timewindows to consume supporting nutrition that may improve efficiency,absorption and bioavailability of the consumed supplement.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus comprises atransceiver for transmitting data related to consumption to a remotedevice. For example, an indication of a supplement vessel insertion intothe smart beverage apparatus may be obtained by the scanning unit, andmay be transmitted to a remote device, along with data relating to theinsertion date and time, a unique identifier of the beverage apparatus,an identifier of the user associated with the specific beverageapparatus, etc.

In some embodiments, the supplement data may be transmitted wirelesslyto a remote device for example, by using two-way communication channelsin order to deliver data to a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, acomputerized device, a server, etc.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus comprises a powersource to supply power to electrical components of the beverageapparatus. The power source may be a rechargeable power source.

The subject matter further discloses a supplement vessel for storing aconsumable supplement such as a dietary or nutritive supplement. Thesupplement vessel may comprise a vessel data storage unit for storingdata related to the contents of the supplement vessel. The supplementvessel comprises a vessel for storing the supplement contents.

In some embodiments, the vessel data storage unit stores at least oneparameter selected from: a name, an identification code, an expiry date,ingredients of the supplement, indications or instructions related toconsumption manner of the supplements contained in the supplementvessel, or combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus may be configured tomonitor consumption of a user. In some embodiments, the smart beverageapparatus may be configured to receive an indication that a supplementvessel has been inserted into the smart beverage apparatus.

The subject matter further discloses a method for monitoring consumptionof a user using a smart beverage apparatus. The method may includereceiving an indication that a supplement vessel has been inserted intothe smart beverage apparatus. The method may include scanning a vesseldata storage unit to obtain data related to supplements stored withinthe supplement vessel, and analyzing the obtained supplement data andadditional data such as instruction and consumption plan related to thevessel contents. Instructions or recommendations for the user may begenerated based on the analysis. The generated instructions may bedisplayed to the user, for example on the display unit of the smartbeverage apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method may include determining whether theobtained supplement data satisfies at least one predetermined condition,and enabling or disabling discharge of supplement vessel contents into atank of the smart beverage apparatus accordingly. In some embodiments,the method may include determining to reject the supplement vessel. Insome embodiments, the method may include displaying obtained supplementdata to the user.

Data may be transmitted from the smart beverage apparatus to a remotedevice, and indications related to the transmitted data may be receivedfrom the remote device. For example, the smart beverage apparatus maytransmit a timestamp of the insertion of the supplement vessel, the typeof supplement or ingredients thereof, scanned supplement data from thesupplement vessel, the results of the determination operation whetherthe scanned data of vessel data storage unit satisfies at least onepredetermined condition, a unique identifier or ID code of the smartbeverage apparatus, sensed data from the spout sensor, a manner ofconsumption, time of consumption, duration of consumption, a user's nameor identifier, etc.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus may be configured toanalyze the obtained supplement data. For example, the analysis mayinclude verifying whether the scanned data of the supplement vesselsatisfies at least one predetermined condition. In one example, theanalysis may include determining whether the ingredients of thesupplement vessel, matches the user's health needs based on the userprofile data. In another example, the analysis may include receivingdata related to a user's blood tests, and determining whether thesupplement contents are safe or recommended for the user.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus may be configured togenerate instructions to a user based on the analysis. For example, ifit is determined during the analysis that a user's blood test resultsindicate that a user should refrain from consuming certain supplements,a corresponding indication to the user may be generated.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus may be configured todisplay the generated instructions to the user. For example, the displayunit may indicate to the user that the supplement vessel was inserted,e.g. by displaying a visual and/or audible notification such as:“SUPPLEMENT VESSEL INSERTED”.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus may be configured todetermine whether the obtained supplement data satisfies at least onepredetermined condition. For example, a predetermined condition mayinclude determining whether the inserted vessel contains a specificingredient or food which is harmful to the user due to an allergy orsensitivity, for example as indicated in the user profile data.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus may be configured toenable discharge of supplement vessel contents into a tank of the smartbeverage apparatus. For example, the discharge of supplement vesselcontents may be performed by rotational energy, stimulus pressure,puncturing needles etc.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus is further configuredto receive from the remote device indications and/or instructionsrelated to the transmitted data. For example, the indications mayinclude nutrition user instructions based on online reference, a user'slifestyle and physical wellness, a user's sports activity schedule, auser's health status based on data obtained from a user's healthcareprogram.

In some embodiments, the smart beverage apparatus is further configuredto provide the received indications to the user via the smart beverageapparatus or via the remote device. For example, an instruction may beprovided by a remote device and/or by a processor of the smart beverageapparatus to prohibit preparation of the beverage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter relates to a smart beverage apparatus for preparingsupplements for consumption, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of the smart beverage apparatus,according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter;

FIG. 2A shows a schematic illustration of a supplement vessel, accordingto some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter;

FIG. 2B schematically presents a system for consumption monitoring andconsumption management of beverages consumed using the smart beverageapparatus, according to embodiments of the subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for providing consumption indicationsand/or instructions to user, according to embodiments of the subjectmatter;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for managing and monitoringconsumption data of a user using the smart beverage apparatus, accordingto embodiments of the subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for monitoring beverage consumptionby a user of the smart beverage apparatus, according to embodiments ofthe subject matter; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for analyzing and monitoring dataobtained from a spout sensor of the smart beverage apparatus, accordingto embodiments of the subject matter.

Exemplary non-limited embodiments of the disclosed subject matter willbe described, with reference to the following description of theembodiments, in conjunction with the figures. The figures are generallynot shown to scale and any sizes are only meant to be exemplary and notnecessarily limiting. Corresponding or like elements are optionallydesignated by the same numerals or letters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter relates generally to the smart beverage apparatus forpreparing and consuming supplements, and to monitoring the consumptionof supplements, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of the smart beverage apparatus100, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. Thesmart beverage apparatus 100 comprises a tank 102 which is filled with aliquid or beverage 104. The beverage 104 may be for example, water,milk, soda, juice, or the like.

The tank 102 comprises a port or spout 108, which enables inserting thebeverage 104 into the tank 102 or pouring the beverage 104 out of thetank 102. The port or spout 108 may be covered with a removable lid. Thesmart beverage apparatus 100 comprises a beverage apparatus receivingunit 130. The beverage apparatus receiving unit 130 is connected to aportion 120 of the smart beverage apparatus 100, for example a bottomportion, a top portion, or a side portion. The beverage apparatusreceiving unit 130 is configured to receive a supplement vessel 160 formixing the contents of the supplement vessel 160 with the liquid in thetank 102 to obtain a beverage 104 that contains the dissolved supplementcontents. It should be noted, that the beverage 104 may be poured andstored in the tank 102 prior to inserting the supplement vessel 160 intothe beverage apparatus receiving unit 130.

The supplement vessel 160 comprises a predetermined quantity of one ormore supplements for consumption after dissolving into the beverage 104,for example, the supplement vessel 160 stores a single serving ofsupplements, formulation of supplements etc. The supplements may beprovided in a powder form, a liquid form, a powder and liquidcombination or other forms. The beverage apparatus receiving unit 130comprises a supplement vessel port 150, which may receive a supplementvessel 160 in a vessel container. The supplement vessel 160 containssupplements that are added to, mixed with or dissolved into the beverage104 to enhance the beverage 104 that is consumed by a user of the smartbeverage apparatus 100. For example, the supplements may comprisevitamins, proteins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, herbal,botanical amino acids, fruit extracts or the like.

In some cases, the supplements may be a meal replacement comprisingessential nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins and fats, a person requiresin a meal. The supplement vessel 160 is locked in place after beinginserted into the supplement vessel port 150.

The beverage apparatus receiving unit 130 comprises a dischargemechanism 155, e.g. rotational energy, stimulus pressure, puncturingneedles etc.

In one embodiment, the discharge mechanism may open or puncture thesupplement vessel 160 with various mechanism to cause release of thevessel contents into the tank 102. In one embodiment, the dischargemechanism 155 may comprise one or more puncturing needles that puncturethe supplement vessel 160, e.g., upon insertion of the supplement vessel160 into the beverage apparatus receiving unit 130. For example,supplement vessel 160 may be inserted into the beverage apparatusreceiving unit 130 by applying a twisting motion, a push motion, or thelike. The insertion causes the supplement vessel 160 to move towards thedischarge mechanism 155 causing the one or more discharge mechanism 155to release or discharge the contents of the supplement vessel 160 intothe tank 102. The discharge mechanism 155 may include one or moreopenings through which supplements to reach the beverage 104.

In some cases, the discharge mechanism 155 puncture a supplement vesselseal (not shown), which is composed of a material that is easier topuncture than other walls of the supplement vessel 160, e.g. aluminumfoil or a puncturable plastic film. As the one or more dischargemechanism 155 create openings in the supplement vessel 160, thesupplements in the supplement vessel 160 are mixed with the beverage 104through a tube 170.

In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more supplement vessels may beinserted consecutively into the beverage apparatus receiving unit 130,to provide the user of the smart beverage apparatus 100 with more thanone type of supplement, or with a larger quantity of a desiredsupplement.

In some embodiments of the subject matter, the smart beverage apparatus100 may comprise a spout sensor 103, which may be located on or near thespout 108. The spout sensor 103 may be located within the smart beverageapparatus 100 and may use one or more sensors, e.g. temperature sensors,contact sensors in order to determine or verify that a user actuallyconsumed the beverage, rather than spill it or discard it, for example.The verification may be performed using, e.g. body temperature, contactor touch indicators, and/or a flow meter. The time duration during whicha user's mouth contacted the spout 108 and/or the amount consumption bythe user may be measured and stored for later use.

In some non-limiting embodiments of the subject matter, the supplementvessel 160 is sealed with vacuum or with a pressure differential, whichis different from pressure in the tank 102. When the supplement vesselseal is punctured, the pressure differential causes supplements in thesupplement vessel 160 to be pushed at a force into the tank 102 to mixwith the beverage 104. In other non-limiting cases, the puncturing ofthe supplement vessel 160 causes the beverage 104 to flow into thesupplement vessel 160 at a force that causes the supplements to mix withthe beverage 104. In some non-limiting embodiments, the pressuredifferential and release of the supplements may cause a cooling reactionto the beverage 104 in the tank 102.

The beverage apparatus receiving unit 130 comprises a scanning unit 132,which obtains supplement data from a vessel data storage unit 165. Thevessel data storage unit 165 is connected to or embedded into thesupplement vessel 160 in a manner that enables the scanning unit 132 toscan the vessel data storage unit 165 when the supplement vessel 160 isinserted into the supplement vessel port 150.

In some embodiments, the supplement vessel 160 may comprise a uniquecode or encrypted data, e.g. stored in vessel data storage unit 165,which may be validated by the processor 134 in order to preventinsertion of forged or unknown vessels into the beverage apparatusreceiving unit 130. The encrypted data may be scanned by the scanningunit 132 upon insertion of the supplement vessel 160 into the supplementvessel port 150.

In some embodiments, the vessel data storage unit 165 may storesupplement data related to the supplement contents. Supplement data mayinclude various parameters, such as: ingredients of the supplementvessel 160, the expiry date of the contents of a supplement vessel 160,instructions or notifications related to preferred consumption manner ofthe beverage prepared using the supplement vessel 160, encrypted datafor verification, etc. Various types of supplement vessels 160 mayinclude varying combinations of ingredients and/or flavors to match auser's optimal consumption and preferences.

The supplement data may include nutritional information of thesupplements contained in the supplement vessel 160, for example, thequantity and type of vitamins in the supplements, amount of calories,amount of proteins, amount of carbohydrates, amount of fats, etc.According to exemplary embodiments, the vessel data storage unit 165 maybe a memory unit or storage unit, e.g. a flash memory device or aRadio-frequency identification (RFID) tag for wirelessly transferringdata via electromagnetic fields. In some embodiments, the vessel datastorage unit 165 may be implemented utilizing nano-scale pad printingtechniques.

In some embodiment, the supplement data stored in data chip 165 mayinclude consumption time window data. For example, one or more timewindows that indicate optimal consumption time, one or more time windowsthat indicate prohibited consumption time, one or more time windows thatindicate recommended consumption time, etc.

Optimal consumption time window data for may include e.g. an advisableperiodic schedule for consumption of one or more supplements forimprovement of sport activity recovery. The optimal consumption timewindow data may indicate or suggest e.g. one or more optimal timeperiods or time windows for consumption of the beverage mixed withsupplements. For example, optimal time window data for consumption ofthe supplement may indicate how much time before, after and/or duringthe sport activity, the one or more supplements should be consumed. Inanother example, optimal time window data may indicate one or more timeintervals recommended between each consumption of supplement, e.g. bydividing the supplement consumption into a plurality of separate,intermittent consumption sessions, each session including consumption ofa partial amount of beverage mixed with the supplement. Optimalconsumption time window data may indicate that two or more consumptionsessions are advised, with intervals of, e.g. 10 minutes, an hour, twohours, etc. In yet another example, optimal time window data mayindicate when to update a user's consumption plan, e.g. if a user feelssuddenly overly weak and may need an immediate update in the consumptionplan.

Time windows that indicate prohibited consumption time for may include,e.g., one or more time windows, time periods, or time durations requiredbetween eating and supplement consumption. For example, if a userconsumed dairy products in a previous meal, consumption of an ironsupplement may be ineffective during a limited time period after thedairy meal. An appropriate indication may be generated, advising theuser of the time interval for waiting before consuming the supplement.In another example, consumption of a supplement or ingredient may beprohibited due to a temporary illness, an appropriate indication may begenerated, e.g., if a user suffers of high fever and the consumption isprohibited during high fever. In another example, information specifyingtime windows for a user suffering from a chronic disease may beindicated in the prohibited consumption time data, e.g. if a usersuffers from diabetes, the time windows may include detailedinstructions referring to the periods the user should avoid consumptionof the supplement or delay of consumption of the supplement, e.g. if theuser's blood sugar indication is too high or too low.

Recommended consumption time windows may include indications how a usermay improve the effectiveness of the consumed supplement. For example,if consumption of vitamin C improves the absorption of the consumedsupplement, or if consumption of a supplement along with a meal mayprevent digestion discomfort.

The scanning unit 132 scans the vessel data storage unit 165 when thesupplement vessel 160 is inserted and/or locked into the supplementvessel port 150. The scanning unit 132 provides the supplement data to abeverage apparatus storage unit 168 and/or to processor 134 which may beoperationally connected to the scanning unit 132.

The beverage apparatus storage unit 168 may store additional datarelated to monitoring consumption of a user of a beverage apparatus 100,e.g. profile data of a specific user, usage data, and/orapparatus-related information.

User profile data may characterize the user and indicate a user'scapabilities, health status, special needs, preferences, and/or scheduleof activities. The user profile data may include data that relates to auser, e.g. a user's consumption habits or preferences, recommendedsupplements and nutrition plan, daily schedule or workout plan, a user'sage, weight, data related to the type or category of a user, (e.g. aprofessional sports category or an amateur sports category), a militaryuser with specific nutrition needs, a child and/or a person with specialneeds.

In one embodiment, user profile data may include usage data such as auser's supplement consumption history, expected future supplement'srequired e.g. for the near day or for another time period (e.g. thecoming week and/or for the coming month).

User profile data may be obtained from the user, e.g. by a personalquestionnaire which may be filled by the user or a healthcare advisor.The questionnaire may include data related to the user's lifestyle,physical fitness, sports activities, medications (including prescriptionmedications or non-prescription medication), nutrition, special healthneeds, family history, etc. The questionnaire may optionally include labtest results or health test results of the user.

In one embodiment, the user profile data may be obtained andsynchronized to and/or from external products and database. For example,if the user suffers from diabetes the most updated information regardingdiabetes may be uploaded and synchronized to the user profile data, e.g.the consumption recommendations may be updated accordingly. In anotherembodiment the user profile data may be cross-referenced with updatedevidence-based research data using online databases, or externaldatabases (for example external database 535 of FIG. 2B). In yet anotherembodiment, the user profile data may be cross-referenced with internaldatabases and internal research which may be constantly updated.

The apparatus-related information may include identifier oridentification code or serial number of smart beverage apparatus 100,size or volume smart beverage apparatus 100, type of vessels that areacceptable for inserting into the smart beverage apparatus 100, themaximum quantity the smart beverage apparatus 100 may contain, maximumtemperature of a beverage that smart beverage apparatus 100 may hold, amodel of smart beverage apparatus 100, recommended time for replacementof smart beverage apparatus 100, etc.

The beverage apparatus storage unit 168 may store data related to auser's consumption plan which may include e.g. supplement data, usagedata, sensed data, apparatus-related data, instruction data, userprofile data, etc. The stored data may be used and analyzed (e.g. by aremote server) in order to provide a personalized consumption plan for auser, and supply personalized user instructions, indications andinformation generated for the user.

The consumption plan may include time-related data for consumption ofone or more supplements, for example when to consume a supplement vessel160 of a certain type or containing certain ingredients, how long beforeor after a sports activity the supplement vessel 160 should be consumed,when was the last consumption, when is the next consumption expected,time of final consumption (for example if the consumption is limited intime because of a specified health instructions), what is therecommended consumption manner, etc.

The consumption plan may include amount-related data, such as minimal,maximal or optimal consumption amount of a certain supplement for apredefined time period. The consumption plan may include type ofsupplements and/or recommended ingredients, appropriate supplementvessels containing the recommended ingredients, etc.

The consumption plan may include specific user instructions which arepersonalized according to the user profile data. For example, when thesupplement vessel 160 contains iron, the consumption plan may indicatethat the user should refrain from consumption of dairy products for twohours after the supplement vessel 160 consumption, in order to optimizeabsorption of the iron additive in the user's body.

The processor 134 may cause display unit 115 (for example an LED screen)to display some or all of the scanned supplement data. In someembodiments, the display unit 115 may include a user input unit 113,e.g. a touch screen, in order to enable the user to input informationinto the smart beverage apparatus 100. For example, when the displayunit 115 displays a question to the user which requires a response, theuser input unit 113 may enable input by e.g. touching or typing therequired information.

In some embodiments, the display unit 115 of the smart beverageapparatus 100 and/or a remote device 140 may display notifications andreminders related to the consumption plan, recommending time windows tointake supporting nutrition that may improve efficiency, absorption andbioavailability of the consumed supplement. In another example,notifications and reminders for consumption may include time periods foravoiding consumption of specific foods or supplements that may harm ormay impede absorption of certain supplements or foods.

The display unit 115 may be connected to the tank 102 or is part of thetank 102, and displays the information such that the user of the smartbeverage apparatus 100 may view the supplement data before, during orafter consuming the beverage mixed with the supplements.

In some embodiments the beverage apparatus storage unit 168 may storedata transmitted from the vessel data storage unit 165 (e.g. supplementdata) or any data received from a remote device 140 (e.g., usage data,user profile data, etc.), and/or apparatus-related data such as abeverage apparatus identification code or serial number.

In some embodiments, the beverage apparatus storage unit 168 may includeadditional data, for example the current time and date of insertion intothe beverage apparatus receiving unit 130, a maximum volume of beveragewhich the smart beverage apparatus 100 may contain, details of theuser's last usage of the beverage apparatus 100 etc.

In some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter, the beverageapparatus receiving unit 130 comprises a transceiver 138, e.g. awireless transceiver. The transceiver 138 transmits the supplement datato the remote device 140, for example to a mobile phone, a smartphone, atablet, a computerized device, a server, etc. The remote device may beconfigured to store and execute software instruction, e.g. anapplication for viewing and/or analyzing the received data. In someembodiments, the remote device 140 may be a device located in a cloudnetwork.

The remote device 140 receives supplement data and usage data from thetransceiver 138. The remote device 140 is configured to store andexecute a software application, e.g. computer-executable softwareinstructions, stored in a tangible, non-transient computer-readablemedium, for registering the beverage apparatus receiving unit 130, whichenables the remote device 140 to interact with the smart beverageapparatus 100, e.g., to receive the supplement data.

For example, the smart beverage apparatus 100 may be associated with aunique identification number, stored in storage unit 168. The uniqueidentification number may be input by a user when the user registers thesmart beverage apparatus into the software application, through a userinterface which may be executed by the remote device 140. The uniqueidentification number enables the remote device 140 to operationallyconnect to the smart beverage apparatus 100 (via the transceiver 138) inorder to receive data such as supplement data and usage data from thesmart beverage apparatus 100. The transceiver 138 may transmit usingWi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, and/or a combinationthereof. In some cases, the supplement data provides the userinformation regarding an optimal beverage to be used for mixing with thesupplement in order to obtain an optimal mixture of the supplements withthe beverage 104.

The beverage apparatus receiving unit 130 comprises a power source 136,which provides power to electrical components of the beverage apparatusreceiving unit 130, for example, providing power to the scanning unit132, the processor 134, the display unit 115, the beverage apparatusstorage unit 168 and to the transceiver 138. The power source 136 may bea rechargeable power source, e.g. a rechargeable battery. A chargingport 167 may be operationally connected to power source 136, in order toenable the recharging of power source 136. Recharging the power source136 may be performed by connecting charging port 167 to an externalpower source, e.g. a battery, an electronic device, a solar rechargingdevice, an electrical outlet, etc. The beverage apparatus receiving unit130 enables the user of the smart beverage apparatus 100 to monitor andpersonalize the user's supplements levels in order to reach his desirednutrition combination.

FIG. 2A shows a beverage apparatus receiving unit 200 (which may be, forexample, beverage apparatus receiving unit 130 of FIG. 1), according tosome exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. The beverage apparatusreceiving unit 200 comprises a supplement vessel port 210 (e.g. vesselport 150 of FIG. 1) into which a supplement vessel 160 of FIG. 1 isinserted. The supplement vessel 160 contains content, such assupplements, which mix with the beverage 104 of FIG. 1 of the smartbeverage apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The supplement vessel 160 is insertedinto the supplement vessel port 210 and pushed or locked into thesupplement vessel port 210.

The supplement vessel 160 is pushed such that a discharge mechanism,such as spring 290 engages a locking mechanism 291 to lock thesupplement vessel 160 into the supplement vessel port 210. To remove thesupplement vessel 160 from the supplement vessel port 210 the supplementvessel 160 may be pushed to move the spring 290 a second time. Thespring 290 engages the locking mechanism to release the supplementvessel 160. The supplement vessel 160 may be locked into the supplementvessel port 210 by handles 215, which latch onto the supplement vessel160 after engaging the locking mechanism 291. The smart beverageapparatus 100 may be rotated, which engages one or more dischargemechanism 250 to puncture a supplement vessel seal (not shown). Thedischarge mechanism 250 puncture the supplement vessel seal to enablerelease of the content of the supplement vessel 160 into the tank 102 ofFIG. 1. In some exemplary embodiment of the subject matter, the one ormore discharge mechanism 250 retract after puncturing the supplementvessel 160, to enable the supplements to mix into the beverage 104.

The beverage apparatus receiving unit 200 comprises a supplementreceiving port 255, which is a conduit through which the beverage 104and the supplements mix, and which allows the supplements to dissolve inthe beverage 104. In some non-limiting cases, a discharge mechanism 250comprises at least one opening 251, through which the supplements of thesupplement vessel 160 flow into the supplement receiving port 255 inorder to be mixed with the beverage in tank 102.

In some non-limiting embodiments of the subject matter, the supplementvessel 160 is sealed with vacuum to remove air from the supplementvessel 160 prior to sealing it, or with a pressure differential prior tosealing it, which causes the supplement vessel 160 volume to have adifferent pressure from pressure in the tank 102. When the supplementvessel seal is punctured, the pressure differential causes supplementsin the supplement vessel 160 to be pushed out and mixed with thebeverage 104. The pressure differential forces the supplements out ofthe supplement vessel 160 into the supplement receiving port 255 at aforce that causes mixing of the supplements into the beverage 104 foroptimal solubility of the supplements in the beverage 104.

In some cases, the supplement vessel 160 useable with the beverageapparatus receiving unit 130 does not comprise a pressure differentialto force the supplements out of the supplement vessel 160 when thesupplement vessel 160 is punctured. In such cases, the beverageapparatus receiving unit 200 comprises a gas tank 280, which providesthe pressure differential to activated the supplement vessel that forcesthe supplements out of the supplement vessel 160 into the supplementreceiving port 255 at a force that causes mixing of the supplements intothe beverage 104 for optimal solubility of the supplements in thebeverage 104.

The beverage apparatus receiving unit 200 comprises a piston button 287,which activates the pressure release from the gas tank 280 to force outthe supplements out of the supplement vessel 160. The gas tank 280comprises a conduit 285, which connects the gas tank 280 to thesupplement vessel 160 to enable creating the pressure differential.After the smart beverage apparatus 100 is rotated and the dischargemechanism 250 (e.g. one or more puncturing needles) causes thesupplement vessel 160 to open or puncture, the user engages the pistonbutton 287 to activate the gas tank 280. The gas tank 280 creates thepressure differential required to force the supplements out of thesupplement vessel 160 through the at least one opening 251 created bythe one or more discharge mechanism 250.

The beverage apparatus receiving unit 200 comprises a scanning unit 232(e.g. scanning unit 132 of FIG. 1), which scans the vessel data storageunit 165 of FIG. 1 when the supplement vessel 160 is locked into thesupplement vessel port 210 with the handles 215. The scanning unit 232,for example, an RF (Radio Frequency) reader, NFC reader, QR reader, orthe like, obtains supplement data from the vessel data storage unit 165.The scanning unit 232 transfers the scanning data to a processor 234.

A processor 234 transfers the supplemental data to the display unit 115of FIG. 1. The processor 234 may transfer the data to a transceiver 238,which transmits the supplement data to the remote device 140 of FIG. 1such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or the like. The beverageapparatus receiving unit 200 comprises a power source 236, whichprovides power to the components of the beverage apparatus receivingunit 200, e.g. the scanning unit 232, the processor 234 and thetransceiver 238.

FIG. 2B schematically presents a system for consumption management ofbeverages consumed using the smart beverage apparatus 100, according toembodiments of the subject matter.

The consumption management system 500 may include one or more beverageapparatuses 520 for example a smart beverage apparatus 100, one or moresupplement vessels 510, one or more mobile devices 540 and/or one ormore servers 530.

Server 530 may be or may include for example a computerized apparatus, aprocessing device (e.g. a cloud computing device), a mobile device, etc.

The mobile device 540 may be for example a smartphone, tablet, mobilephone, etc. which may run mobile applications, such as a consumptionmonitoring application, a mobile health application, a sports activityapplication, such as MapMyRun (http://www.mapmyrun.com/app/iphone/)provided by MapMyFitness, Inc., Apple Watch(http://www.apple.com/watch/) provided by Apple Inc., Polar Flow(https://flow.polar.com/) provided by © Polar Electro 2015, etc.

Data communication may be activated between the server 530, the smartbeverage apparatus 520, the remote device (e.g. the server 530 or themobile device 540) and the supplement vessel 510, according toembodiments of the subject matter. The communication may be two-waycommunication, and may be implemented via a wired and/or wirelessnetwork. For example, wireless data communication channel 570 may enabledata communication between the server 530 and the smart beverageapparatus 520. Wireless data communication channel 580 may enablecommunication between the server 530 and the mobile device 540.Similarly, wireless data communication channel 590 may enablecommunication between the mobile device 540 and the supplement vessel510, and wireless data communication channel 550 may enablecommunication between the mobile device 540 and the smart beverageapparatus 520. The wireless communication channels may be implementedvia cellular communication protocols, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.

Mobile device 540 may be configured to execute a mobile application 545that may enable, for example, user registration, and may be periodicallyor continuously synchronized with user profile data stored in server530.

An indication of the supplement vessel 160 insertion into the smartbeverage apparatus 100 may be obtained by the scanning unit 132, and maytransmitted to the remote device 140 via communication channel 550 or tothe server 530 (of FIG. 2B) via communication channel 570.

External databases 535 may include, or may be operationally connectedto, various data sources, to obtain information related to a user'sactivities, habits, nutrition, plan, etc. External databases 535 mayinclude, for example, data obtained from sports training applications(for example, My Run) to provide training session results, data obtainedfrom online health tests e.g. blood tests, connection with data providedby e.g. a dietitian, a sport instructor, a health advisor etc., onlineresearch data, online statistics of health tests results, e.g. afterintense sport activity. The data sources may be connected to theexternal databases 535 and/or to server 530 via wired communication, viathe internet, or via wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi,Bluetooth and the like. Data obtained from external databases 530 may becontinuously or periodically updated, e.g. once a day, once a week, etc.

In some embodiments, external database 535 may be synchronized withvarious data sources such as sport monitoring applications and devicesand may update user profile data stored in the server storage unit 533.For example, the user profile data may be combined and updated accordingto data uploaded to the external databases 535, and transmitted to aremote computing device or mobile device 540 (for example, a personalcomputer, smartphone or multimedia device) or to a server 530 over oneor more computer networks.

Storage unit 533 of server 530 stores consumption and monitoring data,such as usage data, sensed data, user profile data and instruction data.User profile data may be stored in a server storage unit 533 and/or onanother remote device e.g. the user's mobile device. The profile datamay be obtained from various sources. For example, profile data may beinitially received from a user upon registration of the user via themobile application 545 of FIG. 2B.

Processor 531 performs analysis such as updating user profile data whenreceiving updated data from various source. For example when a user'sweight changes, the user may update the profile data himself, forexample via a mobile application interface, or the weight value may beupdated in an external database which may be operationally connected viaa network to the server 530. The updated profile data may be updatedwith current weight in order to update the consumption plan.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for providing consumption indicationsand/or instructions to user, according to embodiments of the subjectmatter.

In operation 310, the beverage apparatus receiving unit 130 of FIG. 1may receive an indication that a supplement vessel 160 has been insertedinto the beverage apparatus receiving unit 130. In some embodiments theindication may be received via the scanning unit 132. In anotherembodiment the indication may be received by an insert detector (notshown). The display unit 115 may indicate to the user that thesupplement vessel 160 was inserted, for example by displaying a visualand/or audible notification such as: “SUPPLEMENT VESSEL INSERTED”. Whenthe supplement vessel 160 was inserted incorrectly, for example, thelocking mechanism 291 of FIG. 2 was not properly activated, the displayunit 115 may indicate “SUPPLEMENT VESSEL INCORRECTLY INSERTED”.

In operation 320, a scanning unit (e.g. scanning unit 132 of beverageapparatus receiving unit 130) may scan the vessel data storage unit 165of the supplement vessel 160 which is inserted into the beverageapparatus receiving unit 130. In some embodiments supplement datarelated to the contents of the supplement vessel 160 and/or recommendedconsumption thereof is stored on the vessel data storage unit 165.

In operation 325, supplement data stored on the vessel data storage unit165 which was scanned by the scanning unit 132 may be analyzed, e.g.compared with usage data or user profile data or other data stored onthe beverage apparatus storage unit 168 and/or on the remote device 140.

The smart beverage apparatus 100 (e.g. by processor 134) may perform ananalysis to determine whether scanned data of the supplement vessel 160satisfies at least one predetermined condition. For example, apredetermined condition may include determining whether scanned datawhich relates to the ingredients of the supplement vessel 160, matchesthe user's health needs based on the user profile data. In one example,a predetermined condition may include determining whether the insertedvessel contains a specific ingredient or food which is harmful to theuser due to an allergy or sensitivity. In another example, apredetermined condition may include checking whether the supplementvessel 160 contains special ingredients defined by the user, for exampledairy ingredients, vegetarian ingredients, etc. In another example, apredetermined condition may include checking a user's physical activityschedule or consumption plan, a user's blood and/or DNA tests, an expirydate of the supplement vessel 160, an amount of beverage to be preparedusing the inserted vessel, etc.

In some embodiments the beverage apparatus storage unit 168 may providean instruction to the smart beverage apparatus 100 to prohibitpreparation of the beverage, e.g. by rejecting the supplement vessel 160or automatically ejecting the supplement vessel 160 if the supplementvessel 160 is hazardous or inappropriate for the user.

In operation 330, the smart beverage apparatus 100 may display to theuser obtained data, e.g. it may indicate the time elapsed since the lastconsumption of beverage, using e.g. the display unit 115 of the smartbeverage apparatus 100 and/or the remote device 140. In someembodiments, the display unit 115, may display the data received by thescanning unit 132 to the user on a display unit 115 after the scanning.The display unit 115 may be e.g. a screen, a touch screen or the like.The display unit 115 may display, e.g. the smart beverage apparatus 100registered user's name, the ingredients of the inserted supplementvessel, the date of expiry, the current time and date, a notice that thesupplement vessel inserted is original or appropriate and not forged,the maximum volume of beverage the smart beverage apparatus 100 maycontain, details of the user's last usage of the smart beverageapparatus 100, etc. In some embodiments the display unit 115 may displayinstructions or notifications for the user, related to preferredconsumption of the beverage prepared using the supplement vessel 160.

In some embodiments, e.g. if at least one predetermined condition issatisfied, e.g. the expiration date of the supplement vessel content haspassed, or the amount of beverage to be prepared using the vessel islarger than the beverage apparatus receiving unit 130 volume, processor134 may generate an indication to be displayed on display unit 115, e.g.“INAPPROPRIATE CAPSULE” or “SUPPLEMENT IS NOT SAFE FOR USE”. The usermay be required to indicate that the indication or warning has beenread, for example, by receiving a specific input (e.g. “PREPARE BEVERAGEUSING INAPPROPRIATE CAPSULE?”). The user may determine to terminate thebeverage preparation by providing a negative indication, or the user maydetermine to continue preparing the beverage for consumption byproviding a positive indication via the user interface 113 of thebeverage apparatus receiving unit 130.

In operation 340, the smart beverage apparatus 100 may transmit data,e.g. usage data, supplement data, apparatus-related data or other datastored in beverage apparatus storage unit 168, to a remote device, e.g.mobile device 540 and/or server 530 of FIG. 2B. For example, the smartbeverage apparatus 100 may transmit a timestamp of the insertion of thesupplement vessel, the type of supplement or ingredients thereof,scanned supplement data from the supplement vessel 160, the results ofthe determination operation 325 whether the scanned data of vessel datastorage unit 165 satisfies at least one predetermined condition, aunique identifier or ID code of the smart beverage apparatus 100, senseddata from the spout sensor 103, a manner of consumption, time ofconsumption, duration of consumption, a user's name or identifier, etc.

In some embodiments, the usage data may include additional data forexample, if the user inserted an incorrect, inappropriate or expiredsupplement vessel 160, and received a notification that the supplementvessel 160 does not match the user's recommendations or user profiledata, the user may decide to consume the beverage. Data indicating themismatch and the consumption of the supplement vessel 160 may betransmitted to the remote device 140. The remote device 140 may be, e.g.a server or a mobile device. The data may be transmitted from the smartbeverage apparatus 100 to the remote device 140 by various communicationtechnologies, e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, cellularnetwork, etc.

In operation 350, the smart beverage apparatus 100 may receiveindications and/or instructions related to the transmitted data, from aremote device, e.g. remote deice 140 of FIG. 1, server 530 and/or themobile device 540 of FIG. 2B. The indications and/or instructions may beprovided based on reference data such as external databases, onlinedatabases, and on the user profile data. The indications and/orinstructions may include e.g. nutrition instructions based on onlinereference data, a user's lifestyle and physical wellness, a user'ssports activity schedule, a user's health status based on data obtainedfrom a user's healthcare program (e.g. doctor's instructions which maybe accessible to the remote device 140 or may be stored along with theuser profile data, blood test results, etc.).

In some embodiments, indications or reports regarding users' vitamin andmineral deficiencies may be generated based on various externaldatabases and/or remote applications, e.g. Vitastiq(http://www.vitastiq.com/) provided by Vitastiq Inc. which may determinewhether vitamin and mineral levels of the user are too low, too high orjust right or an application provided by Thermos, Inc.(https://www.theranos.com/) which allows instant access to trackingpersonal health. User profile data may include values such as bloodpressure, temperature and average or maximal pulse rate. These valuesmay be provided by connectivity of the server 530 to an external mobileapplication such as HealthKit (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203037)provided by Apple Inc., which is designed to help users keep track oftheir personal health and fitness data, or iHealth(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ihealth-myvitals/id566815525?mt=8)provided by iHealth Lab Inc. assists users' blood pressure management.

User profile data may include information obtained from other externalsources, e.g. wearable or mobile activity trackers or fitness trackerssuch as Garmin®, Vivoactive, or Apple® watch. User profile data may beupdated with information obtained from fitness applications and/orhealth monitoring mobile applications.

In some embodiments, the indications and/or instructions may include acustomized consumption plan generated for the user, or a portionthereof. For example, separate instructions for consumption ofsupplements and/or beverages before, during and/or after a sportactivity, or during periods of rest from sports activity, or between thesupplement consumptions. The user may be instructed to take a differentsupplement (e.g. using a different supplement vessel) in accordance withthe customized consumption plan. In one example, a single supplementvessel may be consumed 30 minutes before the sport activity, twosupplement vessels may be consumed during the sport activity with a gapof e.g. an hour in between or after 500 calories were burned, and anadditional supplement vessel may be scheduled for consumption during arecovery period, e.g. 1 hour after the sport activity was completed. Theindications may include for example a recommendation not to consume asupplement vessel 160 which was originally scheduled to be consumedprior to a sports activity, in light of blood test results that weretransmitted to the remote device 140. In some embodiments, blood testresults may be obtained from an external database which may beoperationally connected to server 530 of FIG. 2B, and transferred touser's remote device 140 within e.g. a day. In some embodiments, theindications may include specific instructions provided by the user'ssport instructor or healthcare advisor e.g. a doctor, dietician, etc.

In operation 360, the smart beverage apparatus 100 may provide (e.g.display or sound) one or more indications and/or instructions receivedin operation 350. For example, and indication may be displayed to uservia the smart beverage apparatus 100 on display unit 115 and/or via theremote device 140.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for managing and monitoringconsumption data of a user using the smart beverage apparatus 100,according to embodiments of the subject matter.

In operation 410, the server (e.g. server 530 of FIG. 2B) may receiveusage data from the smart beverage apparatus 100 and/or from a remotedevice 140 e.g. the user's mobile device. The usage data received may bestored at a server's storage unit (e.g. storage 533). The usage data mayinclude a user's usage history of consumption, e.g. time and date ofconsumption of supplements, amount consumed, etc. Usage data may furtherinclude data relating to incorrect consumption or inappropriateconsumption of supplements, e.g. which were consumed by the useralthough not recommended, the beverage recommended for the bestconsumption results (hot water, orange juice or other liquids), etc.

The user profile data may be continuously updated, e.g. when newinformation is inserted by the user (for example if the user lostweight), and the updated information is loaded to the user profilestored in server 530. The user profile data may include e.g. the user'sname, identification number, social security number, nutrition andhealth information related to the user, a user's biometric information(weight, height, age, gender, blood test rates, etc.), preferred sportsactivities performed regularly by the user, the user's eating habits,sensitivities and/or allergies to nutritional ingredients, personalgenetic analysis (DNA) for example by usinghttp://www.dnalife.eu/#!dnalife-tests/c24gm.

Usage data stored in the server's storage unit 533 may be continuouslyupdated using data obtained from the smart beverage apparatus 100, e.g.the type and contents of consumed beverage and time of consumption.Usage data stored in the server's storage unit 533 may be continuouslyupdated using sensed data obtained from the spout sensor 103, e.g.indicating the amount of beverage consumed. The usage data may be usedto generate a report for the user, including information related to theuser's consumption.

In some embodiments, the user may receive an indication that anadditional blood test is required, due to pulse rates that whereobtained during a sport activity of the user. In yet another example,notifications and reminders may include an indication of an appropriatesports activity for the user relating to the user's performance, diseaserisk and/or health status. In yet another embodiment, the usage datacollected from different users may enable generating statistics andreports related to nutritional supplement consumption and sportsactivities. Such data may be used, for example, for creating derivativeproducts for institutions such as insurance companies. For example,improvement of blood test results of a user in correspondence withphysical activity may influence insurance companies' requirements forblood tests results.

In some embodiments, usage data may be updated and stored in server 530after the supplement vessel 160 is scanned by the scanning unit 132. Theusage data transmitted from the beverage apparatus 100 may include, forexample, a date and time of inserting the supplement vessel 160,contents of the supplement vessel, and additional data such as theresults of the determination whether a predetermined condition issatisfied as performed in operation 325 of FIG. 3. The usage datareceived and stored in server 530 may include e.g. the data scanned fromthe vessel data storage unit 165 and/or data stored on the beverageapparatus storage unit 168, and/or data related to the event of thesupplement vessel 160 insertion into the beverage apparatus 100.

A consumption plan which includes instruction data may be generatedbased on the user profile data, the usage data and additional sourcessuch as external databases 535, available online research data, testresults, etc.

In some embodiments, if relevant data is uploaded to an externaldatabase 535, a user profile data may be updated accordingly. Forexample if the blood test results indicate that a user is prohibited toconsume high sugar rates, the user profile data may be updatedaccordingly.

In some embodiments, the usage data may be transmitted through a wiredor wireless connection. Usage data may be automatically synchronized oruploaded to the remote device 540 or server 530 for further storage andanalysis. The server 530 may generate a customized consumption plan fora user, e.g. a program that includes instructions and/or indications ofrecommended or optimal consumption for the user based on the userprofile data, the usage data and stored data from the storage unit 533or data obtained from the remote device 140. In some embodiments, whenimportant information had been derived while generating the customizedconsumption plan, a disease risk report or a health score report may bedisplayed to the user via remote device 140.

In operation 420, the server 530 and/or the remote device 540 e.g. amobile device, may analyze and conduct computations based on usage datareceived from the smart beverage apparatus 100, and stored data whichmay include user profile data, previous customized consumption plan,etc.

The user instruction data may include previous instruction data and/orupdated instruction and/or indications which are analyzed currently inorder to being transmitted to the smart beverage apparatus 100 and/or tothe remote device 140.

The analysis may include generating customized consumption plan, e.g.the recommended consumption quantities, the recommended consumptionschedule, etc. The consumption plan may be customized and determinedaccording to a specific user's needs, for example if the user isplanning a sports activity and/or if the user suffers from a chronicdisease, e.g diabetes. The customized consumption plan may include timeschedule for consuming a certain type of the supplement vessel 160 per acertain time period, e.g. per day and/or per month. The customizedconsumption plan may include a type of beverage recommended forconsumption, for example hot beverage or cold beverage, milk or water,etc.

In operation 430, the analysis may include generating indications and/orinstructions relating to the generated consumption plan, e.g. by theserver 530. For example, if the user is using medication which prohibitsthe use of a specific type of the supplement vessel 160, the server 530may generate an indication that the user should not use the insertedsupplement vessel 160 or that the inserted supplement vessel 160 shouldbe replaced with another supplement vessel that matches the consumptionplan. In another example, if the user is sensitive to at least one ofthe ingredients of the inserted supplement vessel 160, the server 530may generate an indication that the user should not use the supplementvessel 160.

In some embodiments, the instructions may include indications ofrequired data update from the user, for example if blood rates are notupdated within a predetermined period, an indication to the user toupdate blood rate may be generated.

In operation 440, the server may transmit the generated indicationsand/or instructions to the smart beverage apparatus 100, and/or to theremote device 140. In some embodiments the server may provide aninstruction to the smart beverage apparatus 100 to prohibit preparationof the beverage, e.g. by rejecting the supplement vessel 160 orautomatically ejecting the supplement vessel 160 if the supplementvessel 160 is hazardous or inappropriate for the user. In someembodiments the server 530 may provide an indication before, duringand/or after a sports activity, or may indicate which type of activityis recommended, the duration and the recommended intensity.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for monitoring beverage consumptionby a user of the smart beverage apparatus 100, according to embodimentsof the subject matter.

In operation 610, the smart beverage apparatus 100 may receive usagedata comprising sensed data which may be obtained by the spout sensor103. The usage data may include, e.g. an amount of beverage in the smartbeverage apparatus 100, an amount of beverage consumed or dispensed fromthe smart beverage apparatus 100, a duration of time since beverage waslast consumed using the smart beverage apparatus 100, an amount ofbeverage consumed over a given time period from the smart beverageapparatus 100, an indication that a beverage has not been consumed usingthe smart beverage apparatus 100 over a given predetermined time period.

The data obtained by the spout sensor 103 may be stored in the beverageapparatus storage unit 168 and may be displayed to the user on thedisplay unit 115.

In operation 620, the smart beverage apparatus 100 may transmit theusage data obtained by the spout sensor 103 to the server 530 or to aremote device 140 which may be, e.g. a mobile device.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for analyzing and monitoring dataobtained from a spout sensor of the smart beverage apparatus 100,according to embodiments of the subject matter.

In operation 710, the server 530 and/or the remote device 140 mayreceive sensed data which may be obtained by the spout sensor 103 fromthe smart beverage apparatus 100. The sensed data may include datarelating to the actual consumption (e.g. quantity and time) of abeverage using the smart beverage apparatus 100.

In operation 720, the server 530 may store the sensed data received fromthe smart beverage apparatus 100 in the server's storage unit 533.

In operation 730, the server 530 may analyze the received data accordingto provided reference data which may include, e.g. the user profiledata, external databased or source, remote mobile applications, etc. Forexample, the server 530 may determine that the user has not consumed asufficient amount of supplement during the day.

In operation 740, the server 530 may transmit indications and/orinstructions based on the server's analysis to the user using the remotedevice 140 and/or the display unit 115 of the smart beverage apparatus100. For example if the analysis of operation 730 indicated that theuser has not consumed a sufficient amount of supplement during the day,a reminder may be displayed on the mobile device and/or on the beverageapparatus display unit 115 regarding required consumption of a certainsupplement.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A smart beverage system for monitoringconsumption of a user, comprising: a remote device comprising a userinterface configured to receive user profile data; and a beverageapparatus comprising: a vessel receiving port for receiving a supplementvessel, said supplement vessel storing one or more supplements; ascanning unit for scanning a vessel data storage unit to obtainsupplement data related to supplements contained in the supplementvessel; and at least one spout sensor located on or near a spout of thebeverage apparatus, the at least one spout sensor is for verifying thata user has actually consumed a beverage from the beverage apparatus,wherein the at least one spout sensor comprises at least one of: atemperature sensor, a contact sensor and a flow meter; a storage unitfor storing the supplement data and the user profile data; a processorfor analyzing and updating the user profile data, wherein said analysisgenerates nutrition plan instructions or customized consumption planinstructions based on the user profile data; and a display unit fordisplaying notifications related to the user profile data and fordisplaying said nutrition plan instructions or said customizedconsumption plan instructions to the user.
 2. The beverage system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a transceiver for transmitting data fromthe beverage apparatus to the remote device.
 3. The beverage system ofclaim 2, wherein the data is transmitted wirelessly.
 4. The beveragesystem of claim 1, wherein said remote device is configured to store andexecute a software application, to enable the remote device to interactwith the beverage apparatus.
 5. The beverage system of claim 1, whereinsaid remote device is configured to execute a software application thatis to be synchronized with the user profile data.
 6. The beverage systemof claim 1, wherein said user profile data is selected from a groupconsisting of: user's capabilities, health status based on data obtainedfrom a user's healthcare program, physical wellness, special needs,preferences, daily schedule of activities, user's consumption habits,recommended supplements and nutrition plan, workout plan, user's age,user's weight, and any combination thereof.
 7. The beverage system ofclaim 6, wherein said user profile data is continuously updated based onnew information related to the user.
 8. The beverage system of claim 1,wherein said user profile data is obtained from the user or from a humancaregiver via an external database.
 9. The beverage system of claim 1,wherein said notifications comprise notifications that the supplementvessel does not match the user profile data if the user inserts anincorrect, in appropriate or expired supplement vessel with respect tothe user profile data.
 10. The beverage system of claim 1: wherein theat least one spout sensor is further configured to generate a senseddata relating to an actual consumption of the beverage by the user; andwherein the processing unit is further configured to: analyze the senseddata from the spout sensor according to a provided reference data,wherein the provided reference data comprises the user profile data; andtransmit indications and instructions based on the analysis of thesensed data to the user using at least one of: the remote device and thedisplay unit.
 11. A method for monitoring consumption of a user using asmart beverage apparatus, comprising: receiving user profile data via auser interface of a remote device: receiving an indication that asupplement vessel has been inserted into the smart beverage apparatus;scanning a vessel data storage unit to obtain supplement data related tosupplements stored within the supplement vessel; verifying, using atleast one spout sensor located on or near a spout of the beverageapparatus, that the user has actually consumed a beverage from thebeverage apparatus, wherein the at least one spout sensor comprises atleast one of: a temperature sensor, a contact sensor and a flow meter;analyzing the obtained supplement data by comparing it to the userprofile data; generating nutrition plan instructions or customizedconsumption plan instructions for the user based on the analysis; anddisplaying the generated nutrition plan instructions or the generatedcustomized consumption plan instructions to the user.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: determining whether the obtainedsupplement data satisfies at least one predetermined condition; andenabling discharge of supplement vessel contents into a tank of thesmart beverage apparatus.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprisingdisplaying the obtained supplement data to the user.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising determining to reject the supplementvessel.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising transmitting datafrom the smart beverage apparatus to a remote device.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising: receiving from the remote deviceindications or instructions related to the transmitted data or based onthe user profile data; and providing the received indications orinstructions to the user via the smart beverage apparatus or via theremote device.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said remote device isconfigured to execute a software application that is to be synchronizedwith the user profile data.
 18. The method according to claim 11,wherein said user profile data is selected from a group consisting of:user's capabilities, health status based on data obtained from a user'shealthcare program, physical wellness, special needs, preferences, dailyschedule of activities, user's consumption habits, recommendedsupplements and nutrition plan, workout plan, user's age, user's weight,and any combination thereof.
 19. The method according to claim 18,wherein said user profile data is continuously updated based on newinformation related to the user.
 20. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: receiving, from the at least one spout sensor, a sensed datarelating to an actual consumption of the beverage by the user; analyzingthe sensed data from the spout sensor according to a provided referencedata, wherein the provided reference data comprises the user profiledata; and transmitting indications and instructions based on theanalysis of the sensed data to the user using at least one of: theremote device and the display unit.